Orlando Pirates let Marc van Heerden go

Marc van Heerden is the latest victim of the winds of change blowing through the Buccaneers. Photo: @orlandopirates via Twitter

CAPE TOWN – Yet another Orlando Pirates player has had to leave the Buccaneers’ ship following their dramatic swoop of nine players recently.

Left back Marc van Heerden has become the latest casualty of the new breeze blowing through Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic’s team, who are determined to take one step further by winning the Absa Premiership next season and competing strongly in the Caf Champions League.

“Orlando Pirates would like to confirm that following a meeting with Marc van Heerden’s representatives last week, both parties have agreed to mutually terminate the 30-year-old’s current contract.

“Orlando Pirates Football Club would like to wish Marc the best of luck in his future endeavours,” the club said in a statement on Monday.

Van Heerden, who made his name at AmaZulu, has two Bafana Bafana caps as well, but battled to break into the first team last season as Innocent Maela has become Sredojevic’s preferred choice at left back.

Another defender in Ayanda Gcaba, who can operate out wide or as a centre-back, also officially left Pirates last week after being on loan for Platinum Stars.

Chippa United defender Paseka Mako is one of the nine new signings that have been brought in to bolster the Buccaneers, along with Abel Mabaso, Meshack Maphangule, Asavela Mbekile, Brilliant Khuzwayo, Kudakwashe Mahachi and Vincent Pule.